Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, the President of Ghana, has described the motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, “Love for All, Hatred for None” as a powerful call which was engendering patriotism among the citizenry.

He commended Ahmadi Muslims for the great role they were playing in ensuring the prevalence of peace, tranquility and engendering patriotism in Ghana.

President Akufo Addo who was speaking as the Guest of Honour at the opening of the three-day 85th Annual National Convention of the Mission, said patriotism was the foundation on which all other subjects of national importance should rest .

The theme for the Convention, which was “Engendering Patriotism: The Role of Religion” was also graced by the august presence of the Vice – President, Alhaji Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, traditional leaders and Christian religious leaders.

According to President Akuffo Addo, the individual commitment as well as the collective will of the people to the national goal was what set apart people who succeed from those who do not.

“It is the individual loyalty and commitment to the state of Ghana that will make our nation great and strong”, he said.

He said Ghana is a religious nation and, therefore, it was imperative to use religion to play a positive role in providing the guidance that is needed for the progress of the country.

He noted that the promotion of education in the country was pioneered by religious bodies and indicated that there was better disciplined behaviour in mission run schools than those run by the Government.

He said the Ahmadiyya Community and other religious institutions had made names for themselves in the areas of education, health and provision of social and material service and as well demonstrated an amazing capacity at organising and inspiring the Ghanaian population.

He said there was the need for political authorities to emulate the religious institutions as they have demonstrated good will than any political or traditional authorities.

In his fraternal message, Most Rev. Professor Emmanuel Asante, Chairman of the National Peace Council, commended the Ahmadiyya Mission for contributing towards peace in the 2016 general elections.